Your business website needs an SSL Certificate.Google will soon label all unencrypted websites as “Not Secure.”

Quick facts on Google’s mandate for requiring SSL.

Google is forcing all websites to enable SSL certificates to encrypt information.

If you don’t make your website compliant, it will soon show up as “Not Secure” in Google Chrome (and possibly search engine results in the future).

Google is granting a ranking signal boost for all websites that use SSL under the HTTPS protocol.

This affects websites for all business sizes and types.

First off, what is SSL and encryption?

Secure and encrypted websites use a SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate to help protect the information that is sent to the web server.

SSL certificates establish an encrypted channel between the web server and your customer’s web browser. They do this using a “key” that is known only to the server. It’s kind of like a really long password.

If you’ve been on Facebook, Google, or YouTube in the past while, you likely would have noticed the green padlock in the top-left corner of your web browser next to the web address. This padlock along with the “https://” part of the web address show that the websites are secure using SSL.

Google is going to start shaming websites that are not secure.

Google is leading the charge on website security.

Google wants everything on the web to be travelling over a secure channel. That’s why your Chrome browser will soon flag unencrypted websites as “Not Secure”.

If your website is not secure using SSL, the web browser will display a “Not Secure” notice and a red “x” over a padlock in the web address and tab area of Google Chrome.

In today’s modern web world where people are valuing security more and more, it is important to act now to help protect your customer’s data and to show them that you care about their privacy and business.

What types of websites will be affected?

In short, all websites will be affected. Google plans on rolling out their updates over time.

The first round of updates will be for any website that collects user information, specifically passwords and credit card information. This will include websites that use Content Management Systems (like WordPress) which use a username and password to log in.

If you have a website that collects credit card information (such as an e-commerce) website, you should already be using an SSL certificate on your website.

Eventually, Google plans on labelling all websites on the Internet as “Secure” or “Not Secure” — not just those that collect user information.

It’s better to get started on enabling an SSL certificate now before Google pushes even further!

“How can Creative Curve help?” We are glad you asked!

We are happy to help analyze your current website and identify the best solution for encrypting your web traffic. We are here to make the process as smooth, quick, and cheap as possible for you and your business.

Even better! If you host your website with us, we can provide a one-time, quick-to-install SSL certificate for your domain. This is the cheapest and easiest way to get your website up to date with a start-up level of security. One-time fee with no downtown for your website.

Get compliant today and enjoy improved security and trust for you and your business! Let’s talk today!

Want to learn more about encryption and SSL?Keep reading for more information that can help your business!

SSL Builds Trust and Credibility

SSL is important due to building trust and credibility with your visitors. According to a European survey from GlobalSign, 77% of websites visitors are concerned about their data being intercepted or misused online.

By adding an SSL certificate and showing the green padlock, this instantly adds credibility and what we like to call “SSL trust.”

It is important to let your visitors know that your website is secure and that their information will be protected.

“But I thought SSL certificates were expensive?”

Previously, even the most basic of SSL certificates required a dedicated IP address and SSL certificate, which could run from $200 a year and up.

While this is actually a small cost to pay for security, we do understand how it can seem like an outstanding charge for smaller websites like blogs, landing pages, and similar-sized websites.

With updated technologies, the process for adding an SSL certificate is now easier than ever. Prices will vary depending on your specific website and server setup.

What changes can I expect by enabling an SSL certificate on my website?

Google Compliance

Your website will show as “Secure” in future versions of Google Chrome (and the other top web browsers, as well, like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Opera).

Boost to Search Ranking

Google has already rolled out a ranking signal boost for encrypted websites. This can have an impact on your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Google is currently stating that this boost to your search ranking won’t be very large, but every little bit helps!

If you are close in ranks with another website that isn’t encrypted, this may be just the boost you need to pull ahead!

More Secure

Security! SSL certificates aren’t just for eCommerce sites anymore. Google wants all websites to be encrypted while utilizing SSL and HTTPS.

For other sites the biggest reason for this is your WordPress login page. If someone is determined to “sniff” your login information to your WordPress website, they can use special tools to discover your username and password. Data sniffing is a common practice these days in public areas where the Wi-Fi signal is accessible to everyone. With SSL enabled, the login details are encrypted and protected. Hands off, thieves!

For most websites, a basic SSL certificate will suffice. If you are running an enterprise-level website with loads of sensitive data, you will want to purchase and enable a more powerful SSL certificate.

Want to learn more about getting your website up to date?Let us help you become SSL-compliant today.